Fiji GCC chairman calls for respect of Council's role in confirming new vice president

The Great Council of Chiefs' chairman in Fiji, Ratu Ovini Bokini, has called on the media and the public to show respect to the chiefly body and not try to pre-empt the President's choice of Vice President.

Ratu Ovini said that although the President has already informed some members of the GCC and the interim government about his choice, it is important that the GCC meets to finalize and announce the decision.

Fiji Village quotes the Chairman as saying any Fiji citizen with a distinguished career, irrespective of race, can be considered by the President to take up the Vice President's post.

The new vice president will complete the balance of the term of office of the previous vice president, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi, who resigned after the military takeover in December.